Advanced Certificate for Executive and Business Assistants*

*Endorsed by the Institute of Professional Administrators

Who is this qualification for?

This Advanced Certificate qualification provides fresh impetus for experienced PAs, Executive Assistants or Business Assistants. There are no formal entry requirements. However, it is expected that candidates will have at least two years’ experience of working as a PA or in a similar role. It is an ideal platform from which to pursue an Executive Assistant position. Likewise, it is relevant to those who already hold such a position.

The course allows assistants to acknowledge and revise existing skills. It will then provide new underpinning knowledge to enhance their people management and stakeholder management skills. Successful candidates will be in a position to act on behalf of management and expand their role to undertake managerial duties and an enhanced profile.

Course Objectives

On this course, candidates will:
		Gain an enhanced awareness of the nature of, and issues facing, their organisation;
		Consolidate and recognise existing skills and knowledge;
		Be comfortable to represent their manager across the organisation;
		Be able to contribute to the work of management at a more involved level and know how to communicate management decisions effectively;
		Identify and know how to manage their manager’s stakeholders;
		Acquire supervisory knowledge, an understanding of the supervisory role and be able to manage difficult people situations.

Course Format

The course comprises a one day workshop plus two brief assignments.  One assignment is a factually based report and the other is a hypothetical case study.

Workshop Content:

1.		Your Executive Assistant Role
		Analysis of existing skills
		Strengths and weaknesses
		What does your organisation need from you?
		Developing organisation awareness

2.		The Work of Management
		The role of management
		Understanding the needs of your manager
		Representing your manager
		Developing political acumen
		Identifying and managing stakeholders
		Communicating management decisions clearly
		Negotiating

3.		People Management skills
		Defining the nature of supervision
		Understanding management styles and approaches
		Effective delegation
		Giving constructive developmental feedback
		Handling reactions to feedback
		Giving praise

What you will take away

In addition to your new knowledge base and enhanced confidence levels, you will gain:

		a qualification to demonstrate your competence and commitment;
		10 hours of continuing professional development for your record and
		a substantial reference manual to accompany the course.

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